Rabbit Color Calculator

Example 1: Chestnut × Chestnut (Color mode)

Suppose both the sire and the dam are Chestnut (Agouti) rabbits — a common brown agouti color. In color mode, set both parents to Full color → Chestnut [Agouti].

The calculator shows that the most probable offspring color is also Chestnut [Agouti] at roughly 35-40%, followed by Black [Self], Orange, Opal, and Cinnamon at lower probabilities. This makes sense because both parents are heterozygous at several loci.

Example 2: Black [Self] × Black [Self] (Color mode)

Two black self rabbits are bred. Both have the visible genotype aa B_ C_ D_ E_.

Since both parents are $aa$ (self pattern), all offspring will also be self. The remaining variation comes from the B, C, D, and E loci. The most likely result is Black [Self] at about 69 %, but you may also see Chocolate [Self], Blue [Self], and Ruby-Eyed White.

Example 3: Genes mode — precise genotype entry

Suppose you know the exact genotype of both rabbits:

• Sire: $Aa\ Bb\ Cc\ Dd\ Ee$ (heterozygous at every locus)
• Dam: $Aa\ Bb\ Cc\ Dd\ Ee$ (same)

Switch to genes mode and select $A a$, $B b$, $C c$, $D d$, $E e$ for both parents. The calculator displays 243 unique genotype combinations. The most probable color is Chestnut [Agouti], but you will also see Orange, Opal, Cinnamon, and several others.

• The breeder selects a sire that carries blue genetics and a dam that is known to produce dilute offspring.
• Using color mode, they enter both parents and see that Blue [Self] has a 25-30 % probability.
• They also notice Lilac [Self] appears at a lower probability — valuable information for future pairings.

• They switch to genes mode and set the B locus to $B b$ for the sire.
• The dam is known chocolate ($b b$).
• The results show Chocolate [Self] offspring — confirming the sire does carry the recessive b allele.

• Using color mode, both parents are entered as Chestnut [Agouti] (full color).
• The calculator shows REW appears at roughly 4-5 % — explaining exactly what happened.
• The owner learns that both parents carry the hidden $c c$ genotype at the C locus.

• They enable the Broken checkbox and select the appropriate En genotypes for sire and dam.
• The calculator now shows an "Additional colors" tab with the probability of Charlie, Broken, and Solid offspring.
• The breeder can also see how the broken gene interacts with the five main color genes.

The Punnett Square principle

For a single gene with two alleles (e.g., B and b), the Punnett square is a$2 \times 2$ table:

Five-locus combination

For the full rabbit color calculation, the engine extends this to five independent gene groups:

Each combination has a unique genotype (e.g., $Aa\ Bb\ Cc\ Dd\ Ee$). Combinations that produce the same visible coat color are grouped together, and the probability is calculated as:

Dominance hierarchy

Within each gene group, alleles are ranked from most dominant to most recessive:

The visible (phenotypic) color is determined by the most dominant allele present at each locus. For example, B_ means the rabbit shows a black-based coat, even if it carries a hidden $b$ (chocolate) allele.

What do rabbits see?

Rabbits are dichromats — they can see two primary colors: blue and yellow. Unlike humans (trichromats), they cannot see red. This is why a red carrot looks like a greenish-gray blob to a bunny! Their color vision is an adaptation for detecting predators in open fields rather than identifying colorful foods.

Temperature-sensitive color in Himalayans

The Himalayan rabbit has a unique trait: its coat color is temperature-sensitive. The $c(h)$ allele produces a pigment that only develops on cooler body parts — the ears, nose, feet, and tail. A Himalayan rabbit raised in a warm climate will have lighter markings than one raised in a cold environment. This is a classic example ofenvironment influencing gene expression.

The underscore symbol _

In rabbit genetics notation, an underscore _ represents"any possible second allele". For example, B_ means the first allele is B (black), and the second allele could be either B or b. This notation is convenient when you know the visible trait but not the exact genotype.

Related calculators

If you enjoy exploring genetics, check out our Punnett Square Calculator for a general introduction, or the Dihybrid Cross Calculator and Trihybrid Cross Calculator for more complex multi-trait crosses. To learn about allele frequencies in populations, see our Allele Frequency Calculator.

Do rabbits see color?

Yes, but not all of them. Rabbits are dichromats — they can see two colors:blue and yellow. This means they cannot see the color red. Their vision is adapted for detecting predators in open fields, with a wide field of view and excellent low-light vision.

What determines Himalayan rabbit color?

The C gene is responsible. The $c(h)$ (Himalayan) allele produces a temperature-sensitive enzyme that only activates on cooler parts of the body. This is why Himalayans have dark ears, noses, feet, and tails but a white body.

What is the probability of $aa$ from two $Aa$ parents?

The probability is 25%. From a standard Punnett square, $Aa \times Aa$ gives$AA$ (25%), $Aa$ (50%), and$aa$ (25%).

Can two black rabbits produce a white rabbit?

Yes — if both carry the recessive $c c$ genotype at the C locus. The calculator shows REW (Ruby-Eyed White) appearing even from two full-color parents. This happens when both parents are $C c$ at the C locus.

What does the underscore mean in gene notation?

The underscore _ means "any possible allele". For example, B_ indicates the first allele is B (black, dominant), and the second allele is unknown — it could be B or b. This notation is used when you know the visible trait but not the exact pair of alleles.

How many rabbit colors are there?

There are hundreds of recognized rabbit colors and patterns worldwide. Major breed organizations such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognize over 50 distinct color varieties just for the Netherland Dwarf breed alone. The calculator covers 145+ colors across six color families.